Person-Centred Care

An approach to care and support that places the individual — their preferences, needs, values, history, and identity — at the centre of all decisions and interactions, rather than focusing primarily on their diagnosis or deficits. Originated in dementia care through the work of Tom Kitwood, person-centred care recognises that each person with dementia has a unique life story and set of abilities that should inform how care is provided. The approach emphasises maintaining personhood, promoting agency and choice, building meaningful relationships, and adapting environments and activities to the individual. Person-centred principles are now widely applied across disability services, healthcare, and assistive technology design.